Apply for a Private Loan

Before applying for a private loan, please be aware that for U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents who meet other eligibility criteria:

• Free or lower-cost Title IV federal, state, or school student financial aid may be available in place of or in addition to a private education loan.

• Federal education loans are available for eligible students who do not demonstrate financial need.

• A private education loan may reduce eligibility for free or lower-cost financial aid with the school's financial aid office.

• You are strongly encouraged to pursue the availability of free or lower-cost financial aid with an advisor in the Georgia Tech Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid.

Application Process

To apply for private education loans, you must submit your application directly to the participating private loan lender. All private loan lenders are required to have you complete a Private Education Loan Applicant Self-Certification. The entire application process may take up to six weeks.

Choosing a Lender

Our office is not permitted to recommend specific lenders, but we provide access to the names of lenders that Georgia Tech students have usedin the past. In addition, we can offer these suggestions:

• Know that many of the larger lending institutions in the nation participate in educational loan programs.

• Review the terms of the program carefully.

• Read the fine print.

• Check with the lender for the most current terms.

• Check minimum/maximum annual loan limits.

• Compare the combination of interest rate, fees, and repayment terms since these determine the total amount repaid over time.

• Some offer interest rates that are adjusted monthly, some quarterly, and some annually.

• Check fees charged check for deferred interest and/or principal while enrolled in school.

Private Loan Lenders

Self-Certification Form Help

Our office can provide the financial information required to complete the Private Education Loan Applicant Self-Certification form. Simply email us and include the following information:

• Your name

• Your Georgia Tech ID number

• The loan period (i.e. the start and end date for the loan)

Be sure your loan period falls within one academic year. At Georgia Tech, the fall, spring, and the following summer term are considered one academic year.

If the lender provided the financial information to you, verify these figures with our office and discuss financing options before proceeding. Our office will strive to reply to your email with the required information within two business days.

Email OSFA

Completing the Application Process

On receipt of (1) your application, (2) the Private Education Loan Applicant Self-Certification, (3) any requested supporting documents, and (4) a successful credit check, lenders typically require school certification by OSFA at Georgia Tech. This is a separate form and in addition to the "self-certification."

Allow a minimum of three weeks for completion of the school certification. Keep in mind that lenders may take another two weeks to disburse a check (processing times vary from lender to lender). It is important to be aware of the fee payment deadline. Be sure to plan so that your funds will be received in advance of that date. OSFA will not issue deferments or extensions of the fee payment deadline based on anticipated receipt of these loans.